Sore Throats: What’s Going Around for the Week of September 11
The dusty weather may be stirring up allergies and bringing an onslaught of other issues. That’s just one thing local doctors are talking about when looking at “What’s Going Around” the area where you live.
Dr. Michael Jardula has seen a resurgence of sinus infections in Palm Springs. He says seasonal allergies are the underlying culprit. He’s also seen a lot of sore throats that have been tough to treat, including strep in adults.
Upper respiratory infections– otherwise known as colds– are the main culprit in La Quinta this week. The folks at Desert Oasis Healthcare Pediatrics report asthmatics are also having trouble because of uncontrolled allergies. Ear infections are on the rise, and so are sore throats, many of which are allergy or cold related.
At the Mecca Clinic, Dr. Randolph Gibbs is still seeing soft-tissue skin infections in diabetics that is consistent with bacterial cellulitis. See your doctor for appropriate care, as this could become serious. Also, food from street vendors is bechind a flareup of camylobacter gastroenteritis involving people of all ages. The loose stools, fever, and abdominal cramping lasts for about five days. Be very careful when eating so called “street food.”
Bronchitis or pneumonia is non-stop at Dr. Arturo Quintanilla’s practice in Rancho Mirage. He tells us all children are affected– from infants to school-aged! They’re all coughing, wheezing, and showing up with low-grade fevers. If your child has these symptoms, they need to see the pediatrician ASAP.
Dr. Efren Wu reminds us if you’re thirsty, it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated. And that’s what’s behind so many student-athletes coming in to his La Quinta practice complaining of muscle cramps during games, and at night after practice. Dr. Wu also notes an increase or even a worsening of allergies because of this humidity. If over-the-counter antihistamines don’t work, a steroid nose spray could help, so see your doctor.
Watch “What’s Going Around” Tuesday evenings at 5:30 and Wednesday mornings at 6:45 on CBS Local 2 News.
